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National News Briefs

Kenny in US to promote 'The Gathering'

The Taoiseach has travelled to the United States to remind investors that Ireland is open for business.

Enda Kenny will address key international business people in Philadelphia before travelling to Cleveland for a number of engagements.

He is also planning to meet with representatives of the Irish communities in both cities to promote The Gathering 2013.
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Burton to hold pre-budget forum

The Minister for Social Protection has invited a number of voluntary and community groups to discuss their needs ahead of the upcoming budget.

Over 30 organisations will be given the opportunity to plead directly with Joan Burton today.

It is the second year Minister Joan Burton has held such a pre-budget forum.
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Unions to brief members on public sector cuts

Public sector unions will today begin briefing their members on the changes the government is seeking to make as part of a review of the Croke Park agreement.

Last evening the Taoiseach told unions that the government will only be able to meet its expenditure targets next year through a significant reduction in payroll costs.

Enda Kenny told union bosses at government buildings yesterday that the government is facing extraordinarily difficult choices to meet savings targets in the 2013 budget.

He said there would have to be a significant reduction in payroll costs and delays in reform are not acceptable.

He said he wanted to phase out over 80 allowances and this process would have to happen quickly and said proposals for a voluntary redundancy scheme would be finalised in the coming weeks.

Today unions will begin to brief their members on the changes being sought by the government - which wants to speed up the pace of change - particularly in the health sector where overspending continues to be a major problem.
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Report calls for restructuring of hotel debt

A new report has called for decisive action to restore financial stability to the Irish hotel sector.

The report, which was undertaken by economist Alan Ahearne, found that total hotel debt in Ireland is around €6.7bn.

It calls for a restructuring of that debt to allow hotels return to a financial position where they can attract investment and create jobs.
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Investigation after body discovered in Waterford

Gardaí in Waterford city are investigating the discovery of a body of a 24 year old man at a house at St Herblain Park, Kilcohan.

Gardaí were notified of the discovery at around 1am this morning.

The body remains at the scene, which has been preserved pending a technical examination.

The State Pathologist has been notified.
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Galway asylum centre closure would be a huge loss, say campaigners

Campaigners say the closure of an asylum centre in Galway will be a huge loss to the local community.

More than 270 residents at Lisbrook House have been told they are to be relocated by as early as next month.

The decision to close the facility was made by the Refugee Integration Agency and Department of Justice in an effort to save costs.

A candlelight vigil will take place outside the centre tonight at 8pm.
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More follows.....